Apple's N1 Wi-Fi Chip Outperforms Older Broadcom Chips

Real-world tests show significant speed improvements, but N1 still trails some competitors

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:15pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a wireless chip or circuit board, with intricate patterns of neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the various components, conceptually representing the advanced technology powering Apple's N1 Wi-Fi chip.Apple's new N1 Wi-Fi chip shines brightly, outperforming older Broadcom models but still facing stiff competition from rivals.Today in Pittsburgh

Apple's new N1 Wi-Fi chip, introduced in the latest iPhones, has been put to the test and the results are impressive. The N1 outperforms its predecessor, the iPhone 16, in download and upload speeds across various regions and performance percentiles. However, the N1 doesn't quite reach the top of the global charts, with the Pixel 10 Pro and Xiaomi 15T Pro slightly edging it out.

Why it matters

The N1 chip represents a bold move by Apple to ditch Broadcom's chips in favor of its own custom-made solution. This shift promises enhanced local wireless connections, but the performance results raise questions about whether Apple should have aimed even higher to truly outclass the competition.

The details

Ookla's analysis of user data shows that the N1 Wi-Fi chip, which supports cutting-edge wireless standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, delivers faster download and upload speeds compared to the iPhone 16. The impact is most noticeable in the lower performance range, suggesting the N1 can significantly improve the overall experience for users with less-than-ideal connections.

  • The N1 chip was introduced in the latest iPhones.
  • Ookla's analysis of user data was conducted in 2026.

The players

Apple

An American multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.

Broadcom

An American semiconductor company that develops and supplies a wide range of semiconductor and infrastructure software products.

Pixel 10 Pro

A flagship smartphone model from Google's Pixel line.

Xiaomi 15T Pro

A high-end smartphone model from the Chinese electronics company Xiaomi.

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The takeaway

The N1 chip represents a significant step forward for Apple's custom silicon, but the competition remains fierce. While the N1 outperforms its predecessor, it doesn't quite reach the top of the global charts, leaving some room for improvement. The results highlight the ongoing battle for wireless supremacy in the smartphone market.